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cynical

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈsɪnɪkəl/

cynical means: Believing people do things mainly for their own benefit, rather than to help others.

adjective

DOUBTING MOTIVESB2

Believing people do things mainly for their own benefit, rather than to help others.

  • I am cynical about his motives.
  • Voters became cynical after another broken promise.
  • Her cynical view was that every donation bought influence.

How to use it: cynical about someone/something (She is cynical about politicians and their promises.)

Similar words: distrustful, skeptical

Opposites: trusting

Common phrases: cynical about something, cynical view, cynical belief

NEGATIVE OUTLOOKB2

Expecting bad things and tending to speak about life in a negative way.

  • He has a cynical outlook.
  • Years of disappointment made her cynical.
  • His cynical jokes made the whole evening feel miserable.

Similar words: negative, pessimistic, jaded

Opposites: optimistic

Common phrases: cynical attitude, cynical outlook, cynical remark

Questions about cynical

What does cynical mean?

Believing people do things mainly for their own benefit, rather than to help others.

What is cynical in other languages?

Türkçe: kuşkucu · Español: cínico · Français: cynique · Deutsch: zynisch · Italiano: cinico · 日本語: 冷笑的な

How do you pronounce cynical?

It is pronounced /ˈsɪnɪkəl/.

How do you use cynical in a sentence?

I am cynical about his motives. Voters became cynical after another broken promise.

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cynical in other languages

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